AUCKLAND, New Zealand: Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Auckland, Wellington, and other cities in protest against the centre-right government’s policies toward the Indigenous Maori population of New Zealand.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s administration has faced severe criticism for proposed changes, including renaming some departments from Maori to English and contemplating the closure of Te Aka Whai Ora, the Maori health authority. Additionally, plans to review the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, a foundational agreement safeguarding Indigenous rights, have stoked further unrest.
Odessa Stewart, a primary school teacher from the Rongowhakaata iwi (tribe), emphasized the importance of protecting the future for her three children and expressed concerns that the one-million-strong Maori population feels under threat.
Te Pati Maori (the Maori Party) spearheaded the rallies to coincide with the unveiling of the government’s inaugural budget under Luxon’s leadership. The party condemned the government’s policies as anti-Maori and warned against measures that could jeopardize the land for future generations.
In central Wellington, lunchtime traffic came to a standstill as protestors flooded the streets, brandishing the red-and-black Maori flag and singing songs of unity. Opposition Labour lawmaker Carmel Sepuloni characterized the demonstrations as a reflection of widespread discontent with the government’s agenda.
Luxon, who assumed office last October, expressed hopes for peaceful and lawful protests but refrained from further comment.
